College Play Empowers Youth and Inspires Conversations
The Theatre Arts Department premiered its final spring performance, The Wolves, last weekend at the Bronwyn Dodson Theatre.
The Wolves chronicles six Saturday morning practices in the lives of a girls’ soccer team as they navigate big questions and wage tiny battles with all the vim and vigor of a pack of adolescent warriors. The aspiring athletes navigate the realities of their changing worlds—and the world at large—all while awaiting the rapidly approaching uncertainty of a post-high school future. The play written by Sarah DeLappe is not necessarily driven by plot but instead by the journeys of young adolescents exploring global themes.
Director Candice Martinez- Clasby chose this specific play because it empowers young adults and highlights important global issues through the experiences of young girls. Clasby further explained that the play addresses topics not always taught in the education system and typical issues girls must face as they navigate puberty, hormones, and complicated relationships.
Even though the characters in the play are high schoolers, the play still resonates with a college audience by addressing deep conversations that are often overlooked. In preparation for the play, the cast learned how to play soccer and completed several soccer drills. In a couple of rehearsals throughout the semester, the cast bonded by having deep conversations with one another about their experiences. One specific conversation led to them expressing their different experiences with grief and fear and how they each processed those emotions.
Lee Johnston, a cast member in The Wolves, is excited to do their character justice and even went as far as shaving their head for the play. Despite wearing the same jersey, albeit with a different number, their individuality emerges as the play progresses. “All of the characters have something to say that’s important, and they all have lived very different lives,” explained Johnston.
For Jordon Alyx, The Wolves was an opportunity to explore and learn from different perspectives, which further helped them build their skillset as an intimacy coordinator. Alyx is excited to share this production with the audience, explaining that the “core of this show is to share experiences and hope that other people learn from it.”
Alex Guaydacan, The Wolves‘ Assistant Director, looked forward to the cast performing in front of an audience. Guaydacan had the unique opportunity to see both casts rehearse and to witness how each cast member interpreted their role.
Director Clasby and the rest of the ensemble hope that the audience leaves with a better understanding of youth and not to be afraid to have difficult conversations. “This show shows the power of your voice and how impactful it can be to utilize it,” Clasby said. “I want Fullerton College students to know that their voices matters.”
The play will include three more performances from May 11–13 at 7:30 p.m. at the Bronwyn Dodson Theatre. Tickets are available for purchase online, at the Box Office, and over the phone.
Photos by Juliet Parker
